Rivers, Bird succeeded as NBA coaches with no experience

Credit: Stuart Cahill

Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers yells as the Celtics take on the Lakers in the third game of the NBA Finals at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Tuesday.

CHICAGO - Doc Rivers had no previous experience when Orlando hired him in 1999, but he won Coach of the Year honors after his first season and now is in the NBA Finals with Boston.

Larry Bird had no previous experience when Indiana hired him in 1997, but he also won Coach of the Year after his first season and went to the 2000 NBA Finals.

Avery Johnson had no previous experience when Dallas hired him as Don Nelson’s assistant head coach in 2004, but he won Coach of the Year recognition after his first full season and coached in the 2006 NBA Finals.

Isiah Thomas had no previous experience when Indiana hired him in 2000 - uh, OK, bad example. Actually, Thomas did make three straight playoff appearances with the Pacers before his crash-and-burn stint in New York.

Is previous coaching experience important for NBA hires?

The Bulls are about to find out Wednesday after they introduce Vinny Del Negro as the 17th coach in franchise history at a United Center news conference.

Del Negro, who received a three-year, $6 million contract, inherits one of the league’s youngest teams and one that stands poised to add the No. 1 pick in the June 26 NBA draft. He and presumptive pick Derrick Rose both will be learning on the job.

"It’s not easy; I can tell you that," Rivers told reporters in Los Angeles before Game 3 of the NBA Finals. "The only advice I would give is just to be yourself. Whatever you believe in, stick to it. Be open to change as well. But stick to your beliefs. That’s what’s going to make you at the end of the day."

Any coach will admit players and talent are what decide games in the NBA. But coaches also, of course, influence decisions, foster team chemistry and communicate both in Xs and Os and simple ways like asking players how they’re feeling.

At least the good ones do.

Rookie coaches such as Bird and Rivers consistently stated publicly the importance of assembling the proper staff. Del Negro could add assistant coaches with previous head coaching experience such as Bob Hill or Dave Cowens.

Bird surrounded himself with veteran Dick Harter and bright young mind Rick Carlisle. In Orlando, Rivers had Dave Wohl, who had served as interim head coach in New Jersey. Johnson had the veteran Del Harris.

Different teams have different needs, which is why Suns general manager Steve Kerr stressed previous experience as important for his search that landed Terry Porter. And why, early in his search, Bulls GM John Paxson maintained experience would be preferred but not mandatory.

Bryan Colangelo promoted Danny Ainge to the Suns’ head coaching job after only eight games in Ainge’s first season as an assistant when the Suns began 1996-97 at 0-8. Ainge went 40-34 the rest of the way and Phoenix made the playoffs.

In a phone interview, Colangelo said previous experience isn’t mandatory and former players can soak up experience from different coaches during their careers.

Colangelo, currently the Raptors’ general manager, hired Del Negro as a scout when he was in Phoenix.

"Vinny’s definitely a student of the game," he said.

Just because Kerr sought previous coaching experience in his hire doesn’t mean he didn’t value Del Negro’s knowledge while talking basketball in Del Negro’s role as assistant GM.

"He did a good job for us scouting, but his mind is always on strategy and player development," Kerr said. "He’s more interested in teaching than evaluating. He’s really good with people, a great communicator. That’s why I think he’ll be good with a young team."

With no previous experience, Del Negro’s philosophy and coaching style have yet to be unveiled.

"He’ll want to push the ball and play fast," Kerr said. "But he’ll preach defense as well. He’ll be well-balanced as a coach, and I really see him growing into the job."